Starting a new life in Japan can be exciting and challenging.
There are several important things to do after arriving in Japan.
You may need to register your address and open a bank account.
You may also need a SIM card, utilities, and daily essentials.
This guide explains what to do after arriving in Japan.
Follow these seven steps to start your new life smoothly.
What to Do After Arriving in Japan: 7 Essential Steps
Here are seven important tasks to complete after arriving in Japan.
- Register your address at your local city or ward office.
- Open a Japanese bank account for payments and salary.
- Get a SIM card and a Japanese mobile phone number.
- Check your route to school or your workplace.
- Set up electricity, gas, and water for your home.
- Prepare furniture, appliances, and daily necessities.
- Learn the local rules for sorting and taking out garbage.
You do not need to complete everything on your first day.
Start with the tasks needed for other applications and contracts.
1. Register Your Address in Japan
Address registration should be one of your first priorities.
Visit the city or ward office where your new home is located.
Eligible residents must report their new address after moving in.
Your registered address will be recorded on your residence card.
This card may be required for many procedures in Japan.
For example, banks may request it when opening an account.
Always check the requirements with your local government office.
2. Open a Japanese Bank Account
A Japanese bank account is useful for everyday life in Japan.
It may be required for rent, salary, and utility payments.
Many rental properties collect monthly rent by bank transfer.
Some also use automatic withdrawal through a guarantor company.
The required documents vary depending on the bank you choose.
You may need your residence card and other identification.
Students may also be asked to provide a student ID card.
Opening an account can take time, so apply as early as possible.
Click here for the Japan Post Bank account guide
3. Get a SIM Card and Japanese Phone Number
A Japanese phone number makes daily communication much easier.
It is also useful when renting an apartment in Japan.
Your property manager may need to contact you by phone.
A guarantor company may also call you during the screening.
Utility companies may contact you before starting their services.
This makes a phone number an important part of your setup.
Compare prices, data plans, contracts, and payment methods.
Some mobile providers also offer multilingual customer support.
How to get a SIM card in Japan
Comparison of Japanese mobile carriers
Prepare Your Address, Bank Account, and Phone Number Early
These three steps are closely connected in daily life.
Your address may be required when opening a bank account.
Your bank account may later be needed for monthly payments.
Your phone number is useful for verification and communication.
For this reason, prepare these three items as early as possible.
4. Check Your Route to School or Work
Public transportation is widely used for commuting in Japan.
Check your route before your school or first workday begins.
Confirm the nearest station and the number of train transfers.
You should also check the total travel time and transportation cost.
A commuter pass may help reduce your regular transportation costs.
When choosing a home, consider both rent and commuting expenses.
How foreigners can buy commuter passes in Japan
5. Set Up Electricity, Gas, and Water
Check your utilities before moving into your new apartment.
Electricity, gas, and water may require separate applications.
Gas usually requires special attention before you move in.
An appointment may be needed to activate the gas service.
You may also need to be home during the activation process.
Book your appointment early once your move-in date is confirmed.
Water procedures can vary depending on the local municipality.
Follow the instructions from your property management company.
How to start electricity, gas, and water services
How to pay utilities and internet bills in Japan
6. Prepare Furniture and Home Appliances
Many rental apartments in Japan are not fully furnished.
You may need to prepare your own furniture and appliances.
Common items include a refrigerator and washing machine.
You may also need bedding, curtains, and cooking equipment.
Check which items are already included with your apartment.
Second-hand stores can help reduce your initial living costs.
Furnished apartments are another option for shorter stays.
How to buy furniture and appliances in Japan
7. Learn the Garbage Disposal Rules
Garbage disposal rules can differ between cities in Japan.
You may need to separate burnable and non-burnable garbage.
Cans, bottles, plastics, and PET bottles may be separated.
Collection days also depend on your local municipality.
Your apartment may have additional garbage disposal rules.
Check the information provided when you move into your home.
If you are unsure, ask your property management company.
Easy guide to garbage disposal in Japan
Recommended Order After Arriving in Japan
Knowing what to do after arriving in Japan saves time.
We recommend completing the main procedures in this order.
1. Register your address
↓
2. Open a Japanese bank account
↓
3. Get a Japanese phone number
↓
4. Set up electricity, gas, and water
↓
5. Check your school or work route
↓
6. Prepare furniture and appliances
↓
7. Check local garbage rules
Completing these steps can make your first weeks much easier.
FAQ: Starting Your New Life in Japan
What should I do first after arriving in Japan?
Start by checking the procedure for registering your address.
Then prepare your bank account and Japanese phone number.
Can I rent an apartment without a Japanese bank account?
Some properties accept applications without a Japanese account.
However, you may need one for future monthly rent payments.
Always confirm the payment method with your property manager.
Can I rent an apartment without a Japanese phone number?
Some rental properties accept applicants without a local number.
However, a Japanese number may be needed during screening.
Requirements vary by property and guarantor company.
Can I use gas immediately after moving in?
Gas usually requires an application before service can begin.
An appointment and your attendance may also be required.
Arrange the activation once your move-in date is confirmed.
Do apartments in Japan include furniture and appliances?
Some apartments include furniture and home appliances.
However, many standard rental properties are unfurnished.
Check the included equipment before signing your contract.
Are garbage rules the same everywhere in Japan?
No. Garbage collection rules differ between municipalities.
Check your local schedule and your apartment building rules.
Summary: What to Do After Arriving in Japan
There are many things to do after arriving in Japan.
Start with your address, bank account, and mobile phone number.
Then prepare utilities, transportation, and your new home.
Understanding local rules will also make daily life much easier.
Do not worry about completing every task on your first day.
Follow each step and prepare for your new life in Japan.
willow supports foreigners looking for rental homes in Japan.
We assist international students and working holiday residents.
We also support foreign workers starting a new life in Japan.
Contact willow if you need help finding your new home in Japan.
Feel free to contact us on LINE for support with daily life in Japan and apartment search!
